No-Atoosa-Comeback - I think it’s already happened. Not in the traditional overachiever business way but in the you came back as your true authentic self way. The real you, with your new values and priorities, is the comeback! But of course I’ll read anything you write too!
Atoosa (this is Maria) and you just so beautifully put into words something I have been experiencing as well. Sometimes I wonder if my purpose and vision is not work related at all, but rather to raise my daughter in the most reflective and honest way that I can. I find so much validation in your words. Thank you for being a guiding light.
There are so many times I feel alone with my thoughts, like I'm surely the only one thinking or feeling these things. And then your words always make me feel not so alone, like you can see into my head and heart. Seriously though, can you???
Your words feel a lot like the first time I read Maya Angelou, realizing that this world holds enough space for us to feel around for God in the dark ... no matter where we go, or who is in control it's never enough to shush the voices of those helping us find our way around, even if blindfolded.
Your idea of taking it slow is exactly what I have been doing or rather forced to do 😬 when I stepped down from "hustle culture" to stay home with my children late 2020. But self-pacing has led me to stumble upon something that lit me up at 3AM one night and it makes me grateful that I embraced what felt like a dormant period professionally.
I surely believe that your buzz is the humming of a fire that will burst into flame when the time is right, whether now or the end of your life. May the Spirit of God be with you.
Yes! This makes so much sense to me--after my second book came out I kept trying to come up with a third book proposal, but the truth is I was tired and I was also taking care of my mother and I just wanted to draw cats and write short stories about them. I meditated and asked what I was supposed to be doing and I kept hearing, "Love the ones you're with," "write like no one is going to read it," and "draw cats." So I did. So many things bloomed! Not in a "SHARE THIS WITH THE WHOLE WORLD" way but in a heart opening sweet way. I think this is what happens in the wake of ambition driving the whole machine. The heart has a chance to speak more clearly, and sometimes that's hard because you're left with the feelings (often wounds from childhood) that you'd hoped you're ambition would heal. Or at least that was my experience. For me at least, when I dropped ambition and sunk into art as pleasure, I was able to heal a lot of things I'd forgotten wanted help. And I realized that I'd been asking the wrong things of my writing and art. Do you know what I mean? So I started letting art be for pleasure and joy, and sought other help for the things that needed healing. It's not as though I still don't want to do BIG THINGS, but I experience a lot more day to day joy and delight in the mean time. Thanks for writing this, Atoosa. I love what you share with the world.
This letter arrived in my inbox the day I was flying from Paris back to NY—an "ambitious" and risky move, some may say—and I saved it to read when I was in a more focused headspace. Boy am I glad. You always seem to know what to say and how, and it always just HITS. No matter what or when your next act will be, those of us who know and love you will watch, applaud, and be there to give a Standing O. Here's to "hopefulness and optimism" and existing in the messy middle of uncertainty. Love you. xx
So funny… I (a business owner that can now be absent/successful) has these thoughts every day. I also am divorced and cook dinner for my kids every night cause it’s our time together. Yet, I was yearning for more even though I also burned out from overworking in the past. The overachiever in us isn’t comfortable yet we are thankful in many ways for the privilege to be present mothers. A week ago I finally got my answer.. we are EXACTLY where we are supposed to be! I made peace with the constant voice that is always searching and just embraced being a full time mom to twins that are in their junior year of high school. They will both be leaving for college in a year and a half and I will be an empty nester. I have faith that life will show me the way when the time comes. We just have to quiet those voices that make us think that time is running out. Atoosa, you are just getting started and you are blessed!
I’m lying in bed, waking up, reading your post, and it has resonated in many ways. Thank you for sharing your words. You know when people say that the lyrics of some song/artist have helped them get through some difficultly in life. That’s how I now feel. This is one of your many gifts and accomplishments. Sending my warmest regards.
Always timely. When I was missing your wise words.... Someone commented below your buzz will burst into flame at the moment it is supposed to. Your life is big enough now and you've cultivated it beautifully enough for yourself and children to grow up in.
And as for a book. These little nuggets and stories in your substack can be chapters. Added all together they are a book of life lessons and deep thoughts.
No-Atoosa-Comeback - I think it’s already happened. Not in the traditional overachiever business way but in the you came back as your true authentic self way. The real you, with your new values and priorities, is the comeback! But of course I’ll read anything you write too!
Atoosa (this is Maria) and you just so beautifully put into words something I have been experiencing as well. Sometimes I wonder if my purpose and vision is not work related at all, but rather to raise my daughter in the most reflective and honest way that I can. I find so much validation in your words. Thank you for being a guiding light.
There are so many times I feel alone with my thoughts, like I'm surely the only one thinking or feeling these things. And then your words always make me feel not so alone, like you can see into my head and heart. Seriously though, can you???
Your words feel a lot like the first time I read Maya Angelou, realizing that this world holds enough space for us to feel around for God in the dark ... no matter where we go, or who is in control it's never enough to shush the voices of those helping us find our way around, even if blindfolded.
Your idea of taking it slow is exactly what I have been doing or rather forced to do 😬 when I stepped down from "hustle culture" to stay home with my children late 2020. But self-pacing has led me to stumble upon something that lit me up at 3AM one night and it makes me grateful that I embraced what felt like a dormant period professionally.
I surely believe that your buzz is the humming of a fire that will burst into flame when the time is right, whether now or the end of your life. May the Spirit of God be with you.
xo
#MessageResonated #KeepGoingGirl
I drop my sandwich to read your newsletters ...
Yes! This makes so much sense to me--after my second book came out I kept trying to come up with a third book proposal, but the truth is I was tired and I was also taking care of my mother and I just wanted to draw cats and write short stories about them. I meditated and asked what I was supposed to be doing and I kept hearing, "Love the ones you're with," "write like no one is going to read it," and "draw cats." So I did. So many things bloomed! Not in a "SHARE THIS WITH THE WHOLE WORLD" way but in a heart opening sweet way. I think this is what happens in the wake of ambition driving the whole machine. The heart has a chance to speak more clearly, and sometimes that's hard because you're left with the feelings (often wounds from childhood) that you'd hoped you're ambition would heal. Or at least that was my experience. For me at least, when I dropped ambition and sunk into art as pleasure, I was able to heal a lot of things I'd forgotten wanted help. And I realized that I'd been asking the wrong things of my writing and art. Do you know what I mean? So I started letting art be for pleasure and joy, and sought other help for the things that needed healing. It's not as though I still don't want to do BIG THINGS, but I experience a lot more day to day joy and delight in the mean time. Thanks for writing this, Atoosa. I love what you share with the world.
This letter arrived in my inbox the day I was flying from Paris back to NY—an "ambitious" and risky move, some may say—and I saved it to read when I was in a more focused headspace. Boy am I glad. You always seem to know what to say and how, and it always just HITS. No matter what or when your next act will be, those of us who know and love you will watch, applaud, and be there to give a Standing O. Here's to "hopefulness and optimism" and existing in the messy middle of uncertainty. Love you. xx
So funny… I (a business owner that can now be absent/successful) has these thoughts every day. I also am divorced and cook dinner for my kids every night cause it’s our time together. Yet, I was yearning for more even though I also burned out from overworking in the past. The overachiever in us isn’t comfortable yet we are thankful in many ways for the privilege to be present mothers. A week ago I finally got my answer.. we are EXACTLY where we are supposed to be! I made peace with the constant voice that is always searching and just embraced being a full time mom to twins that are in their junior year of high school. They will both be leaving for college in a year and a half and I will be an empty nester. I have faith that life will show me the way when the time comes. We just have to quiet those voices that make us think that time is running out. Atoosa, you are just getting started and you are blessed!
Silly Stripes! I'm proud to have earned mine!
Thank you for your wisdom, and for inspiring and believing in me. I have a feeling this era will be your best one yet.
Well, this is EXCITING. Here for the book or the non book. Either way, your honesty and energy remains a gift to us girls!
You ARE all that! And your purpose is being fulfilled now and will be ever-changing. And yes, I feel the buzzing too!
I’m lying in bed, waking up, reading your post, and it has resonated in many ways. Thank you for sharing your words. You know when people say that the lyrics of some song/artist have helped them get through some difficultly in life. That’s how I now feel. This is one of your many gifts and accomplishments. Sending my warmest regards.
Always timely. When I was missing your wise words.... Someone commented below your buzz will burst into flame at the moment it is supposed to. Your life is big enough now and you've cultivated it beautifully enough for yourself and children to grow up in.
And as for a book. These little nuggets and stories in your substack can be chapters. Added all together they are a book of life lessons and deep thoughts.
I'm happy to hear your voice and see your words.
Jo-
Absolutely love you and appreciate your honesty and addressing the ambition and tension of life.
Thank you for this beautiful reflection...Have loved watching your journey unfold on Substack. ❤️